Information Regarding Roles, Responsibilities and Confidentiality

The mission of Disability Services (DS) at PCC is to provide in-class and campus access services to students. These services are designed to promote student independence and equal access to classroom and college-related activities. Disability Services meets this goal by providing academic accommodations and auxiliary aids as required by Federal and State law, and in accordance with college policies and procedures.

When Requesting Accommodations, Your Responsibilities Include:
  • Providing current documentation from a qualified professional that identifies the nature of your disability, how it substantially limits a major life activity, and outlines the functional limitations related to that condition.
  • Paying for any medical/psychological assessments and/or record request fees.
  • Requesting “Approved Academic Accommodations” form(s) from a DS counselor each term.
    • Students are encouraged to request their accommodations immediately after course registration and before the new term begins
  • Communicating with each of your instructors regarding your accommodation needs and providing them the “Approved Academic Accommodation” form.
  • Following the accommodation procedures as described in the DS Student Handbook.
  • Working directly with Disability Access Services staff on your accommodation requests when appropriate.
  • Cancelling/Rescheduling any services appointment in a timely manner.
Disability Services Responsibilities Include:
  • Determining eligibility for disability services based on disability documentation and functional limitations.
  • Providing disability counseling services which may include disability management, college adjustment, career and life issues and how your disability may impact your access to college programs.
  • Ensuring academic adjustments and auxiliary aids are provided in accordance with State and Federal laws and PCC policies and procedures.
  • Providing referrals to on and off-campus services and resources.
  • Collaborating with college faculty, staff, and programs.
  • Collaborating with other professionals who are working with you regarding your disability (i.e., your doctor, therapist, and/or vocational rehabilitation counselor) with your written consent.
  • Providing approved accommodations and/or auxiliary aids for courses, programs, services, activities and facilities in accordance with Federal and State law, PCC policies and procedures, and professional best practices.
  • Responding to requests in a timely manner.
Right to Freedom From Harassment and Discrimination
  • It is against the College's policy for any manager, supervisor, faculty, staff, or student to engage in harassment or discrimination of any member of the College community based on disability.
  • Students have the right to file a complaint or grievance on the basis of discrimination, harassment or denial of equal access. Information regarding the dispute resolution, complaint and grievance processes can be located on the DS website, in the DS Student Handbook, and the PCC Students Rights and Responsibility Handbook.
Confidentiality
PCC must follow all applicable State and Federal laws (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, FERPA), rules and regulations that apply to student records, including communication with DS counselors and staff. Therefore, all information contained in the college records which is personally identifiable to any student shall be kept confidential and not released except:
  • Upon express written consent of the student;
  • In compliance with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
  • To provide necessary information to school officials with legitimate educational interest;
  • To notify appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies.
Use, Retention, and Release of Records
  • DS records are securely maintained and are not a part of the academic transcript.
  • When a student is no longer receiving disability services, DS records are retained for three (3) years, after which the records are destroyed.
  • Requests for release of records must be directed to the Registrar.